Thousands pledged to stop London gangs trying to recruit vulnerable adults in Colchester

It comes as drug gangs continue to expand their empire into Essex from east London in a bid to generate more customers and profit.

The money has been promised by the Department for Work and Pensions and will focus on cutting the recruitment of isolated people who are taking up offers from the gangs to store and sell drugs.

The grant’s exact figure has not been announced but is thought to be more than £20,000.

Pam Donnelly, chair of the Safer Colchester Partnership said the challenge the town faces is “grave”.

Mike Lilley, Colchester community safety boss, said: “The reason we are doing this is because there is a problem with gangs coming out from London selling drugs around Colchester and they are recruiting people who are vulnerable, especially youngsters.

“They are getting sucked in by these gangs and we want to take positive action with all these youngsters and try to steer them away from that.

“If we can cut out the recruitment, then were are going some way to stopping the chain.”

The money will be used to employ a full-time community safety support worker for one year and volunteer ex-gang members will also be recruited to take part.

Mr Lilley added: “It’s very important that we have people like that on board because they speak the language and they know exactly what is being offered by these gangs and most importantly, they know the reality.

“It is horrible that we have to be doing this in Colchester but that’s the reality of it - people here are being targeted and we want to stop that.”

A Colchester Council spokeswoman added: “This person will work with people aged over18 who are vulnerable to being drawn into gang and other activity.

“Their role will be to work with these vulnerable individuals to improve their education and training, refer them for addiction support and/or other services to improve their life opportunities and increase their chances of returning to education or employment.”